Rugby League Coaching Manuals

The hosts took the lead after less than 30 seconds when second rower Mike Griffiths caught the ball from kick-off and left Cougars defenders in his wake on a mesmerising glory run. Rhodri Lloyd converted to make the score 6-0 before going over himself eight minutes later.

However, the visitors took the score back to 10-10 after tries from winger Luke Whitley, converted by Callum Hudson and Benjamin Stead, the latter taking advantage of a spilt ball. Crusaders were 14-10 up at the break after winger Owen Rees beautifully collected Ollie Olds' high bomb to evade the tackles and cross out wide.

Cougars were first on the mark in the second half, 13 minutes in, elusive scrum half Stead bursting through and converting the score himself. He missed a penalty five minutes later but when the visitors got to within kicking distance again, Hudson made no mistake to increase the lead to 14-18.

With less than five minutes to go, Rees went over from dummy half after Crusaders were given a penalty ten metres out. Olds sliced the conversion attempt wide but made up for it moments later when he kicked the match winning penalty goal.

SHEFFIELD HILLSBOUROGH HAWKS took the spoils at HEMEL STAGS, 30-6. The visitors led 14-0 at the break after tries from Jonathan Burns, Richard Spink - from a good passing move - and Cory Hanson. Kieran Dixon landed a penalty for the Stags at the start of the second half but a break down the right saw James Musconda power over for the Hawks, Ryan Matthews adding the extras.

Aaron Small sent Dixon on a thrilling 80 metre run for Hemel's sole try, Ben Jackson replying from a fine pass. Good use of the overlap saw Hanson over for his second touchdown, which he converted but the game finished six minutes early following an alleged brawl.

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 Fri 12 Feb